Deciding between ADHD medications like Ritalin vs Vyvanse can be confusing, as they serve almost all treatments for ADHD. These are very similar medications and the most widely prescribed stimulant medications to treat ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 6.1 million people in the United States. Kim Ciccone’s family joins Ashley on the HealingUS podcast, including her mother Christine, and sister Stephanie, to discuss the impact of addiction on families, sharing personal experiences related to ADHD. The conversation delves into the challenges and insights from a family’s perspective on coping with these issues. They further mentioned that choosing the right medication for ADHD plays a crucial role in managing these challenges.
In this article, we will discuss how these medications are similar and different and indicate the risk factors.
Ritalin vs Vyvanse: Definition, Classification and Availability
Vyvanse and Ritalin both treat ADHD in children and adults. Ritalin has a shorter duration, whereas Vyvanse provides longer-term coverage. While Ritalin offers various extended-release forms, Vyvanse also comes in a chewable form. Both medications take effect in a similar timeframe and have varying abuse potentials depending on age. Let’s understand Ritalin vs Vyvanse and their classifications and availability.
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is FDA-approved to treat ADHD and binge eating in children 6-12, adolescents 12-17, and adults up to 65. 2. It converts to dextroamphetamine, which releases norepinephrine and dopamine, which are important for mood and focus.
Classification and Availability
The DEA classifies Vyvanse as a Schedule II narcotic due to its high abuse potential. Vyvanse is an oral capsule available in 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and 70 mg. Vyvanse is also available in a chewable tablet with the same strengths as the capsule formulation.
What is Ritalin?
Ritalin is a brand name for methylphenidate, which is also a stimulant. It is FDA-approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in people ages 6-65 and narcolepsy in adults. It blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, leaving more of these neurotransmitters available.
Classification and Availability
Ritalin is a Schedule II narcotic. It is available in immediate-release tablets in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths. It is also available in a long-acting capsule formulation in 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg strengths.
Ritalin vs Vyvanse: Key Differences
Ritalin vs Vyvanse are both medications used to treat ADHD, but they have distinct differences in their applications, dosage forms, side effects, and dosage strengths.
Conditions Treated
Vyvanse is FDA-approved for ADHD and binge eating disorder, while Ritalin is also used to treat narcolepsy. Additionally, Vyvanse has off-label uses for depression and executive dysfunction, while Ritalin may be prescribed off-label for Alzheimer ‘s-related apathy and fatigue in cancer patients.
Dosage Forms
Vyvanse is available in tablets, chewable tablets, or capsules ranging from 20 mg to 70 mg, taken once daily. In contrast, Ritalin is available in immediate-release tablets (5 mg to 20 mg), sustained-release, and extended-release capsules (5 mg to 40 mg), taken once or twice daily depending on the formulation.
Side Effects
The side effects of the two medications differ. Vyvanse may cause teeth grinding, tics (blinking excessively, throat clearing, facial grimacing, or making sudden noises such as grunting), and psychiatric symptoms such as irritability. Ritalin can lead to vision issues, fatigue, and serious cardiovascular effects like irregular heart rate.
Dosage Strengths
Vyvanse typically starts at 30 mg daily, with adjustments in increments of 10 to 20 mg, up to a maximum of 70 mg daily. Ritalin’s immediate-release tablets begin at 5 to 20 mg twice daily, while extended-release forms start at 5 mg and increase by 10 mg weekly up to 40 mg or 60 mg.
How Are Vyvanse & Ritalin Similar?
Vyvanse and Ritalin are both stimulant medications used to treat ADHD in children, teens, and adults. They are taken orally and share similar side effects, warnings, and interactions with other drugs. These stimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels to improve attention and focus, and they are commonly used for tasks like studying.
They are prescribed by primary care doctors, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners for patients aged 6 to 65 years.
Vyvanse and Ritalin are:
- Stimulant medications used for ADHD
- Approved for various uses by the FDA and prescribed off-label
- Carry similar warnings, drug interactions, and side effects
Warnings of Ritalin vs Vyvanse
Vyvanse and Ritalin are strong medicines classified as Schedule II narcotics, meaning they can be misused or addictive. Using these medicines, even as prescribed, can sometimes lead to severe problems like sudden death, stroke, or heart problems, especially in young people with heart conditions. Doctors avoid prescribing them to patients with heart disease or known heart issues.
For people with existing mental health problems like bipolar disorder, these medicines can make symptoms worse. Doctors need to watch these patients closely to prevent any issues.
Which is more effective for you: Ritalin vs Vyvanse?
In 2017, a review compared 34 trials of ADHD treatments, including Vyvanse and Ritalin. It found Vyvanse most effective in improving ADHD symptoms, though all treatments worked. Ritalin, especially in immediate-release forms, was better tolerated. Cost is a factor, too; Ritalin, which has been generic for years, is cheaper than brand-only Vyvanse.
Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment for you. Some treatments may work better or have fewer side effects for different people. Depending on age, one may be less likely to cause addiction.
FAQs: Ritalin vs Vyvanse
Que: Is Vyvanse better than Ritalin?
Ans: Both Vyvanse and Ritalin are stimulant medications for ADHD. Studies suggest Vyvanse might be more effective in treating ADHD symptoms than Ritalin. Vyvanse can cause more side effects like decreased appetite, weight loss, insomnia, and nausea compared to Ritalin.
Que: How fast does Vyvanse work?
Ans: Vyvanse starts working within about two hours after taking it once a day. Its effects can last between 12 to 14 hours.
Que: Why is Vyvanse effective?
Ans: Vyvanse is taken once daily, usually in the morning, to ensure it works during the day. It’s 100% pure d-amphetamine, which is effective at reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness in ADHD.
Que: What type of ADHD is Vyvanse best for?
Ans: Vyvanse is approved to treat ADHD in adults and children aged 6 and older. It’s effective for all types of ADHD, including those with hyperactivity, inattention, or a combination of symptoms.
Que: Is Ritalin the best ADHD medication?
Ans: Ritalin and Adderall are both ADHD medications. They work equally well but in different ways. Adderall stays in your body longer, while Ritalin works faster to reach its full effect.
Conclusion
Ritalin vs Vyvanse are both effective for treating ADHD, but they differ in cost, side effects, and how well they work. Talking with your doctor to decide which is best for you is important.
Focus on finding a medication that helps manage your symptoms with the fewest side effects. Whether you choose Vyvanse or Ritalin, work closely with your doctor to track your progress. Making an informed choice can help you manage ADHD symptoms and improve your life.
